Reports: Piers Morgan Days Away From Securing 'Larry King Live' Slot On CNN

July 13, 2010 09:59 PM EDT

He may not wear snappy suspenders or sport wide-rimmed spectacles, but according to reports, Piers Morgan is the man poised to fill Larry King’s shoes.

Both the New York Times and TheWrap.com reported on Tuesday that the British former tabloid editor is inches away from taking over the 9 PM talk show time slot on CNN when Larry King leaves his “Larry King Live” show this fall, after 25 years on the air.

The one obstacle currently in the way of the “America’s Got Talent” judge is – according to The Wrap – an existing media contract.

However, the NY Times reported that NBC, which has Piers locked down for “AGT,” is open to letting the Brit work for both networks.

Three sources reportedly told the NY Times that Piers may sign a deal for the coveted CNN spot within days.

On Tuesday, Access Hollywood’s Tony Potts, spoke with Piers’ fellow “AGT” judge Howie Mandel and when asked what he thought about the rumors the Brit was poised to take over for Larry King, the comedian praised his co-worker.

“Piers is a very fine — I don’t think that people in America know this — but he’s a phenomenal journalist,” Howie said of his colleague, who was formerly the editor of both Britain’s Mirror newspaper and News of the World.

Howie said that Piers, who currently hosts a talk show in the UK, “Piers Morgan’s Life Stories,” which has seen him sit down with many notable stars including fellow “AGT” judge Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell (who cried on his program), has the right kind of demeanor to host a 9 PM talk show on CNN.

“I’ve gone to dinner with him and he’s very inquisitive, very curious,” Howie said. “He’s a great moderator, so you know anything could happen.”

Howie said that Piers may, however, need to work on a mini-wardrobe adjustment in the potential new post. “I have never seen him with suspenders, so… I’m sure he’ll try them on,” Howie laughed.

In addition to his lengthy career in journalism, Piers won Season 7 of “The Celebrity Apprentice” in 2008, beating out stars including KISS rocker Gene Simmons and country star Trace Adkins.

A rep for Piers was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Access Hollywood on Tuesday night. Additionally, a rep for CNN told Access that the network would not be commenting on the report.

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